Originally released in 1980 and 1981 on the EMI America label - these two albums were written, played on and produced by none other than the boss - Bruce Springsteen and 'Miami' Steve Van Zandt. Now available for the first time as a double C D. In 1960, Gary U.S. Bonds had his first hit, 'New Orleans'. In order to draw attention to the record, promotional copies were sent to radio stations in sleeves inscribed "Buy U.S. Bonds" - hence at the age of 19, "Gary" became Gary U.S. Bonds. The follow-up to 'New Orleans' was the now legendary 'party' record, titled 'Quarter to Three' - which became one of Springsteen's famous concert encores. In 1980, a chance meeting between Bruce Springsteen and Bonds developed into a solid friendship. Shortly after, a musical collaboration resulted in these two LP's, which included the hit singles; 'This Little Girl Is Mine', 'Out Of Work', 'Jole Blon', 'Daddy's Come Home', 'It's Only Love' and 'Soul Deep'. Without a question, Gary U.S. Bonds was back on stage. His gritty, soulful and powerful vocals sounded even better than before. On 'Dedication' Bruce played guitar, sang a duet, co-produced and co-arranged four songs on this comeback album recorded twenty years after Gary's heyday. Springsteen also lent his back up band, the E Street Band, while the E Street guitarist Miami Steve Van Zandt (now well-known for his role in 'The Sopranos') also contributed a song and produced the bulk of the record. With 'On The Line' Springsteen wrote seven of the eleven songs, co produced all of them with Miami Steve and again lent the E Street Band for the sessions. The Rock and Roll revival style of the material, similar to that on 'Dedication', made it in effect the follow up to 'The River' album - albeit with a different vocalist. Gary's profile will soon be high again, as he has a brand new album coming out on June 1st called 'Back In 20'. This is the first studio album from Gary since these two here in twenty years, and features special guest appearances from such friends as Southside Johnny, Dickey Betts, Phoebe Snow and of course Bruce Springsteen.
Tracklist
DEDICATION :1. Jole Blon 2. This Little Girl 3. Your Love 4. Dedication 5. Daddy's Come Home 6. It's Only Love 7. The Pretender 8. Way Back When 9. From A Buick 6 10. Just Like A Child
ON THE LINE : 11. Hold On (To What You Got) 12. Out Of Work 13. Club Soul City 14. Soul Deep 15. Love's On The Line 16. Turn The Music Down 17. Rendezvous 18. Angelyne 19. All I Need 20. Bring Her Back 21. Last Time
